Slurry mixer constrictor valve

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for controlling the flow of a slurry is provided which includes using a constrictor valve on a mixing and dispensing apparatus. The constrictor valve includes a first guide plate and a second guide plate that are spaced a distance apart along the length of the conduit. Extending between the two guide plates, a plurality of elongate members have first and second ends engaged on the first and second guide plates. Upon rotation of at least one of the first and second guide plates, the elongate members are configured to impart pressure on, and constrict the conduit.

BACKGROUND ART

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for preparinggypsum products (i.e., products comprising calcium sulfate dihydrate)from starting materials comprising calcined gypsum (i.e., calciumsulfate hemihydrate) and water. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to an improved valve on a conduit located downstream of theslurry mixer and typically used to supply agitated gypsum slurry to awallboard production line. The basic technology of gypsum wallboardmanufacture is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,500,452; 2,207,339 and4,009,062 all of which are incorporated by reference herein. The presentapparatus provides an improved flow of slurry from the dispensing systemwhich enhances the uniform smoothness of the gypsum slurry at thewallboard production line.

It is well known to produce gypsum products by uniformly dispersingcalcined gypsum in water to form a slurry and then casting the slurryinto a desired shaped mold or onto a surface and allowing the slurry toset to form hardened gypsum by reaction of the calcined gypsum (calciumsulfate hemihydrite or anhydrite) with the water to form hydrated gypsum(calcium sulfate dihydrate).

A gypsum wallboard mixer typically includes a housing defining a mixingchamber with inlets for receiving calcined gypsum and water, among otheradditives well known in the art. The mixer includes an impeller or othertype of agitator for agitating the contents to be mixed into a mixtureor slurry. The discharge gate or extractor controls the flow of slurryfrom the mixer to the dispensing system.

Slurries exhibiting certain viscosities or other properties requirediffering amounts of materials, additives, entrained air, and the like,and may also require different processing times and equipment. Insetting slurry requiring a low amount of entrained air, it is known touse a “pinch-type” valve that squeezes an elastomeric conduit carryingthe slurry. Squeezing down on the conduit reduces the orifice of theconduit, which in turn, increases the pressure drop through the orifice,increases the back pressure, increases the volume of slurry in themixer, and accelerates the flow through the conduit. This will result ina smoother, less air entrained, and more desirable slurry for certainapplications.

Prior apparatuses for addressing some of the operational problemsassociated with dispensing a smooth, setting slurry include a“pinch-type” valve which can be mechanically operated or operated bycompressed air or hydraulics to “pinch” down on the elastomeric conduit.However, the pinch valve deforms the conduit into a flattened orrectangular orifice which is susceptible to plugging from prematurelysetting slurry in the flow, particularly in the corners of the orifice,where the flow velocity is lower. Further, the inlet and outlet orificesof the pinch valve are abrupt because pressure is exerted on the conduitin a substantially singular plane and does not allow for a gradualtransition. Such abrupt entrances and exits can lead to further pluggingof slurry producing equipment, which causes costly downtime for repairs.

Muscle valves, consisting of a hydraulic chamber around a thickelastomeric sleeve, provide a round orifice but an abrupt flow channelsince the pressure is exerted in a substantially singular plane or atone point along the conduit. Further, the muscle valves frequently aremassive in size which limits the operator's access to the orifice forclearing a plug or buildup, or for general observation of the flow ofslurry through the channel itself.

Plunger-type valves, knife gate valves, and custom made restrictorshaving an action similar to a “garotte” are also known. Similar problemsare seen in the use of these valves as are exhibited with the musclevalves and the pinch valves. In particular, solids easily build up,forming crystalline gypsum, which then prematurely sets and causesfurther clogging of the apparatus.

Further, the prior art valves cannot easily reproduce exact settingswhich correspond to a given amount of restriction of the conduit.Further still, the prior art valves do not have interchangeable parts,nor are they adapted to be used with different sized conduits.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved valve for a slurry mixingapparatus dispensing system and a method which promotes smoother, lessair entrained slurry.

Another need is for an improved valve for a slurry mixing apparatusdispensing system which prevents build up of prematurely set slurry inthe dispensing conduit.

Still another need is for an improved valve and method of use which iscapable of continuously varying the flow of gypsum slurry from themixing apparatus through the dispensing system to the production line.

A further need is for an improved valve system for a gypsum slurrymixing apparatus dispensing system and method of use which has partsthat are readily adaptable to different sized conduits.

A further need is for an improved valve for a gypsum slurry mixingapparatus and dispensing system and method of use which provides aneasily accessible mechanism for changing the volume of slurry emittedfrom the dispensing system.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the above-listed needs are met or exceeded by the presentapparatus and method for controlling the flow of a slurry including thefeature of using a constrictor valve on a mixing and dispensingapparatus. The mixing apparatus is used to mix and agitate calcinedgypsum and water to form an aqueous dispersion or slurry of the calcinedgypsum. After the contents are agitated, the contents are passed throughthe outlet of the mixer to the dispensing apparatus. The dispensingapparatus preferably includes an elongate, preferably flexible conduitwhich provides additional space for the uniform mixing of slurry. Byproviding the constrictor valve on the flexible conduit, a back-pressureis created on the mixture causing an increase in the volume of themixture in the mixer when the conduit is constricted. Unwanted prematuresetting of gypsum is prevented when the conduit is constricted so thatoccurrences of lumps are reduced.

In the preferred embodiment, the constrictor valve includes a firstguide plate and a second guide plate that are spaced a distance apartalong the length of the conduit. Extending between the two guide plates,a plurality of elongate members have first and second ends engaged onthe first and second guide plates. Upon rotation of at least one of thefirst and second guide plates with respect to each other, the elongatemembers are configured to impart pressure on, and constrict the conduit.The elongate guide members are preferably rigid rods that are arrayedaround the conduit and are configured to impart pressure on andconstrict the conduit.

More specifically, upon actuation by an actuator, at least one of thefirst and second guide plates rotates relative to the other plate aboutthe longitudinal axis of the conduit. The circumferential displacementof the first end of the elongate member with respect to the second endof the elongate member causes the shape of the conduit to approximate ahyperboloid of rotation. Pressure is imparted on and constricts theconduit radially along the length of the conduit in multiple planes. Theresulting shape of the conduit is generally smooth and circular at aplurality of cross-sections taken along the length of the conduit, andis preferably generally smooth and circular at any cross-section takenalong the length of the conduit.

Another feature of the present invention is the inclusion of an actuatorto rotate the first guide plate relative to the second guide plate. Itis preferred that the amount of relative rotation between the guideplates of the constrictor valve is continuously variable, and can beeither manually or automatically controlled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary schematic overhead plan view of a mixingapparatus incorporating the constrictor valve of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a front end elevational view of the housing portion of theconstrictor valve of FIG. 1, with the valve in a relaxed position andpartially cut away to reveal the captive ring and the rotating guideplate;

FIG. 2B is a front end elevational view of the actuator portion of theconstrictor valve of FIG. 1, with the valve in a relaxed position;

FIG. 3 is a front end elevational view of the housing portion of theconstrictor valve of FIG. 1, with the valve in an actuated position andpartially cut away to reveal the captive ring and the rotating guideplate;

FIG. 4 is an overhead plan view of the constrictor valve of FIG. 1 shownin a relaxed position;

FIG. 5 is an overhead plan view of the constrictor valve of FIG. 1 shownin an actuated position;

FIG. 6 is a cross-section taken along the longitudinal axis of theconstrictor valve of FIG. 1 and shown in a relaxed position;

FIG. 7 is a cross-section taken along the longitudinal axis of theconstrictor valve of FIG. 1 and shown in an actuated position;

FIG. 8 is a back end elevational view of the constrictor valve of FIG.1, with the valve in a relaxed position and partially cut away to revealthe fixed guide plate; and

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the scallop plate of the present invention.

BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, a mixing apparatus for mixing and dispensing aslurry is generally designated 10 and includes a mixer 12 having a mixermotor 13 and a housing 14 configured for receiving and mixing theslurry. The housing 14 defines a chamber (not seen) for holding theslurry, and has a preferably generally cylindrical shape. The housing 14has an upper wall 16, a lower wall (not seen) and an annular peripheralwall 18. Calcined gypsum and water, as well as other materials oradditives often employed in slurries to prepare gypsum products, aremixed in the mixing apparatus 10.

An outlet 20, also referred to as a mixer outlet, a discharge gate or aslot, is provided in the peripheral wall 18 for the discharge of themajor portion of the well-mixed slurry into what is generally referredto herein as a dispensing apparatus 22.

The dispensing apparatus 22 includes an elongate, preferably cylindricalflexible, resilient tube or conduit 24 having a main inlet 26 in slurryreceiving communication with the mixer outlet 20.

The dispensing apparatus 22 is shown disposed above a conventionalgypsum wallboard line including a conveyor table 23A upon which a web offace paper 23B is moved upon a conveyor belt or web 23C in a directiondesignated by the arrow D. The mixer 12 is shown supported by a framemember, which can be any sort of frame or platform sufficient forsupporting the mixer and other associated equipment as is known in theart.

In some applications, slurry S is dispensed from an outlet or spout 27upon the web of paper 23B.

In operation, it will be seen that a method for providing a smoothslurry to a web is provided, including inserting calcined gypsum andwater into the mixer 12, agitating the contents of the mixer to form anaqueous dispersion of the calcined gypsum, emitting the agitatedcontents from the outlet 20 of the mixer 12, passing the agitatedcontents into the main inlet 26 of the dispensing apparatus 22, creatinga backpressure on the mixture and reducing the amount of mixture in themixer 12 by constricting the conduit with a constrictor valve of thepresent invention, generally designated 28. The slurry pressure in themixer is increased by the constrictor valve 28 which created aVenturi-shaped orifice 29 in the conduit 24 which may be variablyreduced in diameter.

Generally, the longer the conduit 24, and in particular, the longer theportion of the conduit confined within the constrictor valve 28, theless air entrained and the smoother the slurry. Smooth slurry typicallyhas less uncontrolled entrained air and less lumps of partiallycongealed slurry. The benefits of improved slurry smoothness achieved bythe present invention include: reduction and/or elimination of blistersin the board; uniformity of the board, leading to improved strength; andpotential water reduction from the board formulation, which in turn willlead to energy savings in the kiln or an increase in line speed.

The conduit 24 is preferably a flexible hose of elastomeric material,such as Tygon® tubing or the like, and is of sufficient strength andflexibility, that upon being subjected to radial pressure, is capable ofbeing reduced in size to approximately one-half the original diameter.Alternatively, any tubing exhibiting elastic properties is contemplated,and further, any reduction in orifice surface area that does notdetrimentally affect the integrity of the conduit 24 is contemplated.Preferably, conduits having a diameter ranging between one to threeinches and having a wall thickness of approximately ¼-inch are employed,however other diameters and wall thicknesses are contemplated to suitthe application.

Factors which influence the particular thickness and configuration ofthe conduit 24 employed include, among other things, the thickness ofthe wallboard being produced, the amount of slurry required, thedistance between the mixer 12, the mixer outlet 20 and the wallboardforming plate, and the particular characteristics of the slurryformulation, including the setting rate, the water/stucco ratio, glassfiber usage and the percentage of foam desired. One conduit size may bemore successful than others, depending on the particular wallboardproduction line.

Referring to FIGS. 1–3, the continuously variable valve, or constrictorvalve 28 is coupled to the dispensing apparatus 22. The constrictorvalve 28 variably reduces the flow through the orifice and increases thepressure drop as material flows through the orifice. Circumferentiallydisposed around the flexible conduit 24, the constrictor valve 28 haselongate members, preferably rigid rods 30, arrayed parallel to andcircumscribing the flexible conduit in spaced relation to each other.The rigid rods 30 (best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5) are preferably formed oftitanium, or other sufficiently strong materials for the specificapplication, and are preferably approximately nine inches long and ahalf-inch in diameter. It will be appreciated that different materials,lengths and sizes of the rods 30 may be used to suit the application.Further, it will be appreciated that the longer the length of the rod30, the longer the length of the conduit 24 upon which forces can beexerted and thus, the smoother the flow through the orifice. However,excessively long rods 30 are prone to bending due to the relativelylarge forces involved.

Referring now to FIGS. 2–8, a housing 32 of the valve 28 is preferablygenerally cylindrical and preferably supports a fixed guide plate 34(FIG. 4) and a rotating guide plate 36, although an alternate embodimentis contemplated in which both plates rotate. The rotating guide plate 36and the fixed guide plate 34 are disposed on proximal and distal ends38, 40 of the housing 32, respectively, in a spaced relationship fromeach other along the length of the conduit 24. Preferably formed of⅜-inch aluminum sheet, the guide plates 34, 36 have a generallyhollow-centered disk-like shape, with the inner radius preferably beingapproximately half the outer radius. The inner radius is sufficient toallow the conduit 24 to pass through the center of the guide plates 34,36, with an additional clearance sufficient to permit the rigid rods 30to extend therebetween.

Holding the rigid rods 30 in the arrayed position, elongate memberengagers, preferably arcuate recesses or scallops 42 (best seen in FIG.9), are formed on each of the annular guide plates 34, 36 at the innerperiphery of the plates along the entire inner circumference. The rigidrods 30 are disposed in the concave recesses or scallops 42 (best seenin FIG. 2A) and are held in place by the flexible conduit 24. Otherelongate member engagers are also contemplated, such as clips, ties, orany other configuration that couples the rods 30 to the guide plates 34,36. Preferably, the longitudinal distance along the conduit 24 betweenthe rotating guide plate 36 and the fixed guide plate 34 is about7-inches when used with 9-inch length rigid rods 30. Having this spacingbetween the guide plates 34, 36 may vary with rod lengths.

In the preferred embodiment, each scallop 42 is slightly larger indiameter than the diameter of the rigid rods 30, and the scallops arepreferably spaced apart from each other about the periphery of the plate34, 36 a distance less than the diameter of the rods. Further, in thepreferred embodiment, the distance between the scallops 42 is about¼-inch. It should be appreciated, however, that the number of rods 30,thus the number of scallops 42, is dependent on the diameter of theconduit 24 used and the dimensions of the rigid rod used. It ispreferred that the distance between the scallops 42 is less than thediameter of the rigid rods 30, and further, that the distance betweenthe scallops is uniform around the inner circumference of the guideplates 34, 36 such that when pressure is imparted on the conduit 24, theconduit is uniformly deformed and maintains a generally circular shape.Since this generally circular shape of the conduit 24 is desirable inpreventing clogging, it will be appreciated that any other shape of therigid rod 30, such as tapered bars or any other shape is contemplated,which constricts the conduit while retaining the generally smooth,circular orifice 29.

Comparing now FIGS. 2A to 3, and 4 to 5, when the guide plates 34, 36undergo relative rotation, the rigid rods 30 are maintained in thescallops 42 resulting in the rods appearing to twist around the flexibleconduit 24 in a “wringing” action. It will be appreciated, however, thatthe rods 30 are approximately perfectly rigid, and the rods do notdeform or deform only negligibly. The relative rotation of the guideplates 34, 36 results in the rigid rods 30 pushing down on the flexibleconduit 24 to reduce the diameter of the conduit at the orifice withoutfolding or other detrimental failure of the conduit. It will further beappreciated that during the relative rotating action, the rigid rods 30are maintained in the scallops 42, but due to a small amount of play,the rods 30 change in orientation with respect to the guide plates 34,36. Starting at a generally normal alignment to the guide plates 34, 36(FIGS. 2A and 4), after relative rotation of the guide plates, each rod30 becomes skewed from normal (FIGS. 3 and 5). At one guide plate 34,36, the rods will become angled downward and to one side, while at theother guide plate 34, 36, the rod will have an equal and oppositeorientation (seen generally in FIG. 5).

The relative rotation of the guide plates 34, 36 causes the rigid rods30 to impart a constriction on the flexible conduit 24. The individualcross-sectional areas of the conduit 24, taken at locations along thelength of the conduit, change in diameter but remain smooth andapproximately round. The generally circular shape of the constrictedorifice 29 is a result of the rigid rods 30 imparting pressure radiallyin multiple planes along the length of the conduit 24. Referring toFIGS. 3, 6 and 7, at the entrance to the valve 28, the cross-sectionalarea of the conduit 24 gradually decreases in diameter from an initialdiameter of the conduit down to as much as approximately one-half thediameter (or any other desirable diameter) at the center of the valve.In situ testing has shown that an entrance angle, A (FIG. 7), withrespect to the longitudinal axis of the conduit is optimal (with respectto smooth slurry flow and low clogging) at or less than about 12-degreesused in conjunction with a three inch conduit 24. However, given themultitude of factors involved in the non-Newtonian flow of a givenslurry, having a given viscosity, and flowing through a given conduit,other angles are also contemplated which will provide a smoothtransition into the Venturi and, further, will minimize internalobstructions which might provide a site for the collection and prematuresetting of slurry.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the resulting shape of the conduit 24 when thevalve 28 is in an actuated position approximates a hyperboloid ofrotation. That is, the curve of a conduit wall 44 resulting from thepressure imparted by the rigid rods 30 approximates a hyperbolic curveapproaching its directrix. Further, if you take this hyperbola androtate it about an axis which is 45-degrees from the directrix (thelongitudinal axis of the conduit), you will get a hyperboloid ofrotation. In this shape, not only is an approximately round flow channelcreated along the length of the conduit 24, but also a gradual taperingof diameter at the proximal and distal ends 38, 40 (the entrance andexit to the Venturi-shaped orifice) is created.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 5 and 8, on the static, distal end 40 of thehousing 32, the fixed guide plate 34 is fixed to a distal housing plate46, preferably by using at least one but preferably a plurality ofhousing fasteners such as tie rods 48 spaced a distance apart around theouter periphery of the guide plate. Having a hollow-centered disc-shapewhich allows the conduit 24 and the rigid rods 30 to pass through, thedistal housing plate 46 is preferably made of 14 gauge stainless steel.The distal housing plate 46 is in a fixed, spaced relationship with aninner housing plate 50 and an outer housing plate 52, which are bothlocated at the proximal end 38 of the valve 28. Together, the threedisk-shaped housing plates 46, 50 and 52 form the static housing 32 ofthe constrictor valve 28. The tie rods 48 maintain the fixed spacingbetween distal housing plate 46 and the inner and outer housing plates50, 52. Further, the tie rods 48 are preferably arrayed on the outsideperiphery of the plates 46, 50, 52, in a number and location sufficientto maintain the static relationship of the plates. Additionally,although other fasteners and configurations are contemplated, it ispreferable that the conduit 24 be readily observable through theconstrictor valve 28.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3, on the proximal end 38 of thehousing 32, an arm 54 extending from the housing preferably has a minorarm component 56 and a major arm component 58, which are furtherpreferably adjustably connected to each other such as with a bolt andhole configuration 59. At the end of the arm 54 is a middle disk 60which extends between the inner and outer housing plates 50, 52 and ispreferably generally flush with the housing plates. The middle disk 60of the arm 54 is also static with respect to the housing plates 50, 52,and is preferably fastened to the housing plates by the tie rods 48. Itis also contemplated, among other configurations, that the middle disk60 is a washer or other spacer used to keep the inner and outer housingplates 50, 52 in a spaced relationship. The inner radius of the middledisk 60 not only circumscribes both the conduit 24 and the rods 30, butalso is larger than the inner radii of the inner and outer housingplates 50, 52 to form a cavity 62 (FIGS. 2A and 3) between the housingplates 50, 52.

In the preferred embodiment, the rotating guide plate 36 is fixed to acaptive plate 64 by at least one, but preferably a plurality of rotatingguide plate fasteners 65. The captive plate 64 also circumscribes theconduit 24 and the rigid rods 30 such that the captive plate does notinterfere with or impede the circumferential movement and angularskewing of the rigid rods. While the captive plate 64 is disposed in thecavity 62 between the inner and outer housing plates 50, 52, it isitself circumscribed by the middle disk 60. An inside edge of the middledisk 60 provides a generally circular interface 66 upon which thegenerally circular captive plate 64 can rotate within the cavity 62. Itis contemplated that a lubricant may be added to the clearance betweenthe captive plate 64 and the middle disk 60 to facilitate the slidingengagement of the captive plate with the interface 66. Since the captiveplate 64 and the rotating guide plate 36 are fixed together by therotating guide plate fasteners 65, they rotate together in a singlemotion.

In the preferred embodiment, disposed between the middle disk 60 and theinner housing plate 46 is a spacer structure such as a plurality ofwashers 67 (FIGS. 4 and 5), which gives the captive plate 64 additionalspace to rotate within the cavity 62. Alternately, other configurationsare contemplated which facilitate the rotation of the captive plate 64and the rotating guide plate 36 in the cavity 62 without interferencefrom the inner and outer housing plates 50, 52.

The rotation of the captive plate 64 and the rotating guide plate 36 iseffected by the use of an actuator 68, such as a commercially availablelinear actuator by Duff-Norton®, or any other mechanical device, such asa lever, or fluid power cylinder, as is known in the art. The actuator68 is pivotally connected to an attachment member 70 with a rotatingjoint, such as with a pin connected joint 71, which preferably couplesthe actuator to both the captive plate 64 and the rotating guide plate36 by the plurality of rotating guide plate fasteners 65.

At the other end of the actuator 68 (FIG. 2B), the actuator 68 ispreferably coupled to the arm 54 with a coupling link 72. The couplinglink 72 is preferably attached to the arm 54 in the bolt and holeconfiguration 59. On the other end, the coupling link 72 is preferablypivotally attached with a pin connected joint 71 to a controller 73,such as a computer or a potentiometer, which controls the drive of theactuator 68. Automatic or manual adjustment of the actuator 68 iscontemplated, as is known in the art. In addition, continuous adjustmentis also contemplated and is preferably regulated by a feedback loop, orany other known method. Constriction of the valve 28 may be triggered bythe controller 73 sensing one or a plurality of factors, such as theelectromotive loading on the mixer motor 13, the flow rate through thedispensing system 22, the pressure in the mixing or dispensing system,the viscosity of the slurry, the electromotive loading on the actuator68, or any other factor. Further, controllable, reproducible precisionin the amount of constriction of the conduit can be achieved with theactuator configuration since the amount of constriction of the conduitis directly related to the amount of rotation of the guide plate.

When the actuator 66 is actuated to extend linearly, the attachmentmember 70 rotates the captive plate 64, and thus the rotating guideplate 36, within the cavity 62 and upon the circular interface 66 of themiddle disk 60. More specifically, the rotation is generally about thelongitudinal axis of the conduit 24. When the rotating guide plate 36rotates, a first end 74 of the rigid rods 30 disposed within thescallops 42 follows the path of rotation of the rotating guide plate 36,while a second opposite end 76 (FIGS. 4 and 5) of the rigid rods is notcircumferentially displaced. This “wringing” action is what impartspressure on the flexible conduit 24. Also, it is the rotation of atleast one of the guide plates 34, 36 which results in the conduit havinga generally smooth and circular shape in a plurality of cross-sectionstaken along the length of the conduit 24. Further, in the preferredembodiment, and as seen in planar view in FIG. 7, each and every crosssection of the conduit 24 taken along the length of the conduit andnormal to the longitudinal axis is generally smooth and circular inshape.

To maintain the rods 30 within the guide plates 34, 36, a proximalkeeper plate 78 (FIG. 2A) and a distal keeper plate 80 (FIG. 5) arepreferably disposed at the proximal end 38 and the distal end 40 of theconstrictor valve 28, respectively. Having a hollow-centered disk-shapewhich preferably circumscribes the conduit 24 only, the keeper plates78, 80 prevent the rigid rods 30 from sliding out of the guide plates34, 36. The keeper plates 78, 80 are preferably disposed in a spacedrelationship with the guide plates 34, 36, the distance between the twokeeper plates 78, 80 preferably being slightly longer than the length ofthe rods 30. The keeper plates 78, 80 are preferably fastened to theguide plates 34, 36 by the rotating guide plate fastener 65 and a fixedguide plate fastener 82. However, it is also contemplated that thekeeper plates are fastened to the housing 32, or that the keeper platesare omitted, assuming some other way is employed to retain the rods 30in operational relationship with the guide plates 34, 36.

In the preferred embodiment and referring to FIG. 9, the fasteners 65attach the proximal keeper plate 78, the attachment member 70, thecaptive plate 64 and the rotating guide plate 36 in a staticrelationship with respect to one another. Upon actuation of the actuator68, the attachment member 70, the proximal keeper plate 78, the captiveplate 64 and the rotating guide plate 36 rotate in a single motion aboutthe longitudinal axis at the center of the conduit 24.

To assemble the constrictor valve 28, the conduit 24 must be fed throughthe housing 32, the guide plates 34, 36, the middle disk 60, the captiveplate 64, and the keeper plates 78, 80, and the rods 30 must bepositioned in the scallops 42 between the conduit 24 and the guideplates. Once the rods 30 are in place, the keeper plates 78, 80 can befastened at both ends 38, 40. Although the valve 28 preferably includeshollow-centered disk shaped plates, it is also contemplated that thevalve can be any other shape or configuration that has a static housingand enables the “wringing” action.

In the preferred embodiment, the fixed guide plate 34 and the rotatingguide plate 36 are preferably easily interchangeable with differentsized guide plates to accommodate different sized conduits 24. Since theguide plates 34, 36 are the only disk-shaped plates that require theinside diameter to be generally coextensive with the diameter of theconduit 24, as long as the housing plates 46, 50, 52 and the captiveplate 64 have an inside diameter sufficient to accommodate a range ofconduit sizes, only the guide plates 34, 36 and the keeper plates 78, 80may be required to be changed to accommodate different sized conduits.The fixed and rotating guide plates 34, 36 are removably fastened to thedistal housing plate 46 and the captive plate 64, respectively, and arechanged with minimal disassembly. By unfastening the fastener 82coupling the fixed guide plate 34 to the distal housing plate 46, andthe fastener 65 coupling the rotating guide plate 36 to the captiveplate 64, the two guide plates and the two keeper plates 78, 80 can bereadily interchanged without modifying the remaining valve housing 32.

A typical mixer 12 of the type used with the present invention generatesa slurry velocity in the approximate range of 500–3000 ft/min, measuredat the discharge gate or outlet 20 with a corresponding force orpressure. The amount of flow through the dispensing system 22 inrelation to the amount of material being input into the mixer 12 and theretention time of the material in the mixer, dictates the level ofmaterial in the mixer. The level of the material dictates the pressurehead in the dispensing system 22. When the pressure is increased,entrained air is reduced in the slurry. To increase or decrease thispressure to a desired amount, the pressure drop through the valveorifice can be variably reduced or increased by constricting the conduit24 through the actuator 68.

While specific embodiments of the constrictor valve of the presentinvention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made theretowithout departing from the invention in its broader aspects and as setforth in the following claims.

1. A constrictor valve for use in constricting a flexible, resilientconduit in a gypsum slurry dispensing assembly, comprising: a firstguide plate and a second guide plate spaced a distance apart along thelength of the conduit, wherein one of said guide plates rotatesgenerally about the longitudinal axis of the conduit with respect to thesecond of said guide plates; and a plurality of elongate members havinga first end engaged on said first guide plate, and a second end engagedon said second guide plate, wherein upon rotation of at least one ofsaid first and second guide plates, said elongate members are configuredto impart pressure on and constrict the conduit.
 2. The constrictorvalve of claim 1 wherein said rotation of said at least one guide plateresults in the circumferential displacement of said first end of saidelongate members relative to said second end.
 3. The constrictor valveof claim 2 wherein said elongate members impart pressure on andconstrict the conduit radially in multiple planes along the length ofthe conduit.
 4. The constrictor valve of claim 1 wherein upon rotationof said at least one guide plate the resulting shape of the conduitapproximates a hyperboloid of rotation about the longitudinal axis ofthe conduit.
 5. The constrictor valve of claim 1 wherein upon rotationof said at least one guide plate the resulting shape of the conduit isgenerally smooth and circular in a plurality of cross-sections takenalong the length of the conduit.
 6. The constrictor valve of claim 1wherein the valve is configured for creating back pressure in the mixerand for reducing build up of slurry in the valve.
 7. The constrictorvalve of claim 1 further comprising a housing which circumscribes theconduit and is static with respect to at least one of said guide plates.8. The constrictor valve of claim 1 wherein the valve is one of manuallyor automatically, continuously variable.
 9. The constrictor valve ofclaim 1 further comprising an actuator configured to rotate said firstguide plate relative to said second guide plate.
 10. A constrictor valvefor use in constricting a flexible, resilient conduit in a gypsumwallboard dispensing assembly, comprising: a plurality of elongatemembers arrayed around the conduit which are configured to becircumferentially displaced and impart pressure on the conduit, whereinthe resulting shape of the conduit approximates a hyperboloid ofrotation about the longitudinal axis of the conduit.
 11. The constrictorvalve of claim 10 further comprising a first guide plate and a secondguide plate spaced a distance apart along the length of the conduit,wherein said guide plates are configured to circumferentially displacesaid elongate members.
 12. In a wallboard manufacturing system, aconstrictor valve on a flexible conduit for use in dispensing a slurryonto a wallboard forming surface, comprising: a plurality of elongatemembers arrayed around the conduit and having a first end and a secondend, wherein said plurality of members are configured to impart pressureon said conduit by the relative circumferential displacement of saidfirst end relative to said second end.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12further comprising a plurality of guide plates in a spaced relationshipto each other, wherein said guide plates rotate with respect to eachother.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a housing thatfixedly supports one of said plurality of guide plates.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 12 wherein upon rotation of said at least one guideplate the resulting shape of the conduit approximates a hyperboloid ofrotation.
 16. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein upon rotation of said atleast one guide plate the resulting shape is generally smooth andcircular in a plurality of cross-sections taken along the length of theconduit.
 17. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein upon rotation of said atleast one guide plate said elongate members impart pressure on andconstrict the conduit in multiple planes along the length of theconduit.
 18. A guide plate for use in a constrictor valve thatcircumscribes a flexible, resilient conduit, comprising: an innerperipheral edge which is configured to circumscribe the conduit; aplurality of elongate member engagers disposed near said innerperipheral edge configured to engage a plurality of elongate members;wherein the guide plate is configured to rotate generally about thelongitudinal axis of the conduit.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18 whereinthe elongate member engagers are scallops.
 20. The apparatus of claim 18further comprising an outer peripheral edge configured to slidinglyengage and rotate in a constrictor valve.